The Ducote Family: Last Day of School

Monday, July 31, 2017

Last Day of School

What an incredible year!! It is pretty amazing looking back on the year and seeing everything that we ALL have accomplished! The fact that Charlotte wasn't even born when school started is incredible just in itself but then thinking about the changes that took place within our family because of that as well as other things and how we have all adapted to it all just makes me smile. Some of it is definitely a blur but we are so thankful for a year full of growth, smiles and love!

Ella's last day was on Friday, June 2nd. Ella had such a great year with three incredible teachers. I was hesitant at first with the setup of her class with 21 kids and 3 teachers but it worked out so well and we couldn't have been happier with her teachers. Each of them were so warm and nurturing and showed her extra love on the mornings when she was hesitant to go, but also pushed her academically and never made her feel self conscious with her speech delays. I love watching her light up when she sees the teachers in the community and the big hugs that she gets from each of them. It was a perfect first year of preschool for her. The exposure to new things, forming new friendships and experiencing time away from me were all so good for her. We've loved watching her grow.

First day of school on September 5th

3 years, 9 months

And, last day on June 2nd!!

4 years, 5 months

They finished out the school year with a family potluck and picnic on the last day which was a great time. We'll be sure to get Ella and her bff, Sophia, together this summer-they have basically been inseparabel during the school year!

Julia had fun at the picnic, too!

Joseph's last day of school was the following week on Thursday, June 8th. The last week was filled with fun activities for the kids and you could definitely feel that summer was in the air (despite the June gloom!)

We have loved walking to and from school this year and although it takes a little bit more planning and time management in the mornings than driving I have enjoyed watching the kids interact with one another and with friends on the walk to school. On Monday we picked up Jeremy since Jake was sick and I just loved watching the two of these boys walk in conversation for the entire way. The friendships that Joseph has made this past year really have been special.

On Tuesday, June 6th I went in to volunteer for the classroom party which consisted of water play and then ice cream sundaes. Here is Joseph sharing his towel with Tyler from his class.

Enjoying his HUGE ice cream sundae, despite being cold from the water activities still!!

The room mom put together a touching video of pictures from the year and on the last day all of the parents/families were invited to the classroom to watch it. It did bring a tear to my eye and some of the kids were full on bawling...Joseph on the other hand just danced/did push ups to the music!

We LOVE Mrs. Clark!! I know that I've talked before about how much we've loved having the personal connection with her and her family this past year and how it has made the transition to kindergarten so much easier, but more important that the connection is the amazing teacher that she has been for Joseph. She has pushed him academically and has been such a great support for him socially and emotionally. We can only hope that his first grade teacher is as good as she is (secretly, I'm wishing that we'll find out on the day before school starts that she's looping with the class and we'll get her again!!)